MLB.com’s Jason Beck reports that the Tigers have pushed back Rick Porcello‘s start to Saturday against the Rangers. Porcello was set to face the Rangers in the series opener on Thursday, but he is experiencing soreness in his right side and will get some extra rest.

Porcello has been pitching very well for the Tigers, picking up his league-leading seventh win on Saturday against the Red Sox. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 2.91 ERA and a 33/7 K/BB ratio in 52 2/3 innings.

Robbie Ray will make Thursday’s start. Ray was one candidate to be sent down to clear a spot on the roster for Anibal Sanchez, who is coming off of the disabled list, but the Tigers optioned reliever Justin Miller to Triple-A Toledo instead. Ray, acquired from the Nationals in the Doug Fister trade over the winter, posted good results in his first two starts, allowing just one run in 11 1/3 innings.

I 2nd that. Also, considering this kid has been pitching in the majors for five years now, it’s good to give him some time off.

Most teams should probably skip starters every 4-5 starts to give them a breather. Every time you see someone go down for a couple of weeks, they usually come back with better velocity, although the downside is they’re rusty for a start or two. If more teams indoctrinate a regiment of skipping starts, pitchers can build a routine and come on strong when they return.

Look at how Lester and Darvish looked after they took a couple of weeks off after the ASG last year. They probably would be wise to do it with Scherzer as well soon since this guy’s been pitching a whole lot all the way through October the past few years.